The Nichols College Student Government Association is excited to announce that Boston Bruins President Cam Neely will be visiting campus on April 1^st at 6:30pm to speak to the Nichols College community. Neely is a former NHL player (Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins) active from 1983 to his retirement in 1996. Following his NHL retirement, Neely became Vice President of the Boston Bruins in 2007, and then was named President of the organization in 2010. The next season, the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup, beating the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 in the final game of the series.

Students will be able to purchase tickets beginning on Monday March 23^rd for $1, and faculty and staff for $5 on Monday March 30^th. There will be a limited amount of tickets available. All ticket proceeds will go to the Cam Neely Foundation-www.camneelyfoundation.org.

Additionally, the Student Government Association will be hosting contests for students, staff and faculty to win “meet and greet” passes. Be sure to keep an eye on the Nichols College Twitter account for more information!

On March 3^rd, students gathered in Daniels Auditorium, seeking seats next to classmates. Melanie Gajewski, who graduated Nichols College in 2014, stood at the front of the room. The projector screen lowered behind her and everyone went quiet.

For the past three years, Dr. Mauri Pelto, Nichols College professor and NASA recognized glaciologist, and Melanie have worked together to create videos for the college. Following graduation, Melanie was given an amazing opportunity: Dr. Pelto asked her to join his research team on the North Cascades Mountain Range this past summer. She was part of a five-person team that traveled across glaciers and collected scientific data regarding glacial melt and recession. Dr. Pelto has directed the North Cascade Glacier Climate Project since 1984, charting trips to predesignated glaciers each year. Melanie was specifically recruited to be the videographer, taping the overall day-to-day experiences as well as scientific research. She prepared for six months prior to the expedition, going to Wachusett Mountain and practicing self-arrest techniques as well as improving her hiking abilities. She was excited for the trip, but had no idea what it truly had in store.

“I thought I was just going to go out there, hike a mountain, climb some ice. I didn’t think I’d learn so much about myself,” Melanie told the audience. During her journey, she connected with nature, even writing a book about her thoughts, experiences and revelations.

The end result was an amazing video, chronicling their trip to Washington State and their two-week journey across the glacier. I have known both Melanie and Professor Pelto for a few years now, and following their riveting presentation I only had one question: Where do I sign up? No amount of words can describe the beautiful mountain imagery: click here to watch and enjoy for yourself.

Nichols College had the honor of welcoming Jesko von den Steinen to campus on February 28, 2015. Jesko is a professional actor, clown, choreographer, filmmaker and creative designer. He mainly lives in Berlin, Germany and Montreal, Canada, but he travels around the world speaking to others about his experiences, especially with The House of Dancing Water, the world’s largest water-based performing arts show.

Jesko decided at age 14 he wanted to be an actor. He went right to college after high school; two years into college he received a call from Cirque Du Soleil telling him they had a position for him. This is a dream for any young man or woman who wishes to pursue a career in theatre. He told them he wanted to finish college and then he would join.

During his time at Cirque Du Soleil, Jesko worked as a clown. He knew that he did not want to be a clown forever, that he wanted to do something bigger. The economic crisis of 2008 caused him trouble; work was scarce. Luckily he received a call from City of Dreams Corporation to join The House of Dancing Water. He currently plays the lead role, “The Stranger,” and has been working with them for five years.

Jesko inspired us to make goals that are within our reach and goals that are far-fetched. He told us that if we have a dream, then we should make it reality! It is to be expected we will fail many times before we succeed.

Jesko’s TED Talk from October 2014 is available to watch HERE!